A car cane standing aid is perfect for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of a car due to recent knee or hip surgery (or simply has bad knees, etc.) It’s also very handy for someone with decreased hand strength.
The Stander HandyBar Car Cane Plus works in most cars. The big thing to know with a car “cane” is that it has to be inserted into/removed from the door frame every time the senior uses it.
It can also make for a great birthday gift!
A Great Handle To Help Get Out Of The Car
To use the device, insert it into the door latch of the car (this latch is also known as the striker latch). Next, turn the handle out so it faces away from the car. Note: some people find it works better for their needs if it is turned sideways across the threshold of the door.
When the person gets into or out of the car, they grasp the handle, then use it for leverage to pull themselves up or they lean on it for stability as they sit down. For added safety, the Car Cane comes with a non-slip grip handle so the person’s hand won’t slide off it while they are moving.
The Stander HandyBar Car Cane can support up to 300 pounds in body weight but it only weighs 10 ounces. This makes it portable if the user can’t store it in the car, or is using it in someone else’s car, or is taking it along while ridesharing.
Additionally, the car cane has a seat belt cutter in the handle, plus the tip (the part that goes into the door latch) can be used to break a window in the case of an accident. This model also has a small flashlight in the handle.
The biggest drawback to the HandyBar Car Cane is that the person has to remember to take it out of the latch before they shut the door. We could see this being a problem if they get distracted while gathering up coats, purses, etc, from the car.
TIP: car canes like this will not work in a car door that latches with a bolt. You must have a latch that attaches to the door frame with two bolts or screws. Be sure to check the door latch before you purchase one of these!
How Do You Help An Elderly Person Get In And Out Of The Car Using A Car Cane?
There are easy steps to follow if you need to help an elderly person get into and out of a car.
- First, make sure the car is parked in a safe spot.
- Open the car door for the person you are helping.
- Attach the car cane to the door latch.
- Ask them to back up to the car seat.
- Ask them to reach for the car cane.
- Then, help them to sit down in the car.
- Help them if they need assistance bringing their legs into the car.
- Make sure their seat belt is fastened.
- Next, close the car door.
- And finally, walk around to the driver’s side and get in the car.
The car cane aid device really makes it so much easier and safer for an older person to get into and out of any car.
For more details and information on helping seniors getting into and out of a vehicle, click here.
Other Car Aid Devices To Consider Are…
There are other devices that you can use in addition to the car cane to help older adults get into and out of their vehicles safely and easily.
Leg Lifter Straps
If an elderly person has difficulty bending their legs, it can be very challenging for them to get into a car. That’s why leg lifter straps can be such a great aid device. These straps help to lift the person’s legs up and over the car seat, so they can easily sit down.
Swivel Car Seat
If an elderly person has difficulty turning their body to get into the car, a swivel car seat can be a great solution. This car seat can be rotated so that the person can easily slide in from the side of the car.
Transfer Board
For elderly people who have difficulty standing, a transfer board can be very helpful. This board is placed between the car seat and the wheelchair, and the person uses it to help slide from one to the other. It makes entering and exiting the car much easier.
Standing Aid Handle
This strap attaches to the car door frame and helps the person to stand up by providing a handle to hold onto. This is a great option for people who have difficulty standing on their own.
Seat Belt Grabber
Makes it much easier for some senior persons to buckle and unbuckle their seat belt.
If you are looking for a car accessory that can make it easier for elderly people to get in and out of the car, any of these devices would be a great choice. With one of these aids, driving becomes much less stressful and more comfortable for everyone involved.
